Mad scientists, giant animals, and a world class racing car are just a taster of what’s on the menu for visitors to Bolton town centre this Saturday (June 11).

The attractions are all part of an event organised by Bolton Council to give visitors a flavour of this year’s Food and Drink Festival, which takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

New to the festival this year is a Mad Science zone. And two “mad” scientists will be on the Square to give budding scientists an opportunity to try their hand at a fun experiment.

The festival is organised by the council in association with Aldi, and sponsors are the University of Bolton, the Market Place Shopping Centre, Stateside Foods and Willmott Dixon.

Costumed animals will make an appearance to help to promote The Market Place’s new Amazonian themed playzone which is being built in the refurbished vaults. Children can also have a go at a climbing wall and a mini golf course. The playzone should be open in time for the festival weekend.

The Victorian vaults will be playing a central role in this year’s festival, hosting the regional chef cookery demonstrations and wine tasting sessions.

Motoring enthusiasts can see the University of Bolton’s Ginneta-Nissan LMP3. The University of Bolton offers students an unrivalled experience for anyone wanting to pursue a career in motorsports. They will also be showcasing their courses at the festival in August.

And no food festival event is complete without…food. Former Coronation Street star Sean Wilson, now award-winning cheese maker and chef, will be selling a range of cheeses. He will be joined by Bolton Market traders Nkono and Shima Rice and Noodles.

Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Cliff Morris, said: “The festival has evolved each year and we now have a festival that is recognised as being one of the best in the country.

“We’ve arranged the event this Saturday to give people a flavour of what to expect in August.

“I’d like to thank our sponsors and partners as without them we wouldn’t be able to arrange such a fantastic festival.”

Street entertainers will entertain shoppers and supermarket giant Aldi will be giving out freebies.

Celebrities performing this year include Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain, Aussie chef John Torode, festival favourite James Martin and wine experts Oz Clarke and Kate Goodman.

A marquee will also be open in Victoria Square, from 11am to 3pm, providing information about the demos, and the special events: gala dinner, the Slattery afternoon tea picnic, the Sunday brunch and wine tasting.

Tickets for the chefs and special events are available from the Octagon Theatre, via www.boltonfoodanddrinkfestival.com or 01204 520661. The box office is open 9am to 7pm Monday to Saturday.

For more information, either visit the website, follow Bolton Food and Drink Festival page on Facebook or @boltonfoodfest on Twitter.